Chloe Scott|Metro13 April 2012
Do masks work?

They do help, as you are breathing filtered air.

What do they filter out? A decent mask has Ministry of Defence filters, which block a spectrum of pollutants found on the street. These include hydrocarbons, including benzene and pyrene, nitrogen oxides, sulphur dioxide, lead, black smoke and pollen dust.

Any reason not to get one? Some say they encourage drivers to be careless because they dehumanise cyclists. To look human and emphasise your vulnerability can possibly make drivers instinctively more careful when sharing the road with you.

How often do filters need to be replaced? It depends on how hard you cycle and, therefore, how much air you breathe but they should be changed every 69 hours.

What's a mask made of? A neoprene shell that stretches and seals itself around your face, an aluminium nose clip that bends to seal the nose and cheek bones and exhalation valves that let carbon dioxide and water vapours escape.

Where can you buy one? The Respro City mask, £24.99, filters (two pack) £11.99. Tel: 020 7721 7300.

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